[azverte]

The Service Corp of Retired Executives is a federal service providing free business counseling. You can get free consulting from a variety of specialists including marketing, choosing location, legalities, business plan development, finding capital, on-and-on and probably anything you need! One on one counseling and classes are available

Now for a word of caution. These are retired persons and usually (not always) much older. SOME people in that age group believe women - "well they could probably do well in a knitting circle or recipe exchange." Or, they are out of touch with your specific idea. Frustrating! And I have been there with them! But not all are like that.

So, if you don't get what you need, request more. Most of them do not volunteer every day so go on a different day, or request a specialist in a certain field and make them your primary consultant if you like them.

In my case, I am so fortunate to have the assistance of the chapter president from the chapter to the north of where I live instead of the one close to me. Why? He is the best!

SCORE phone numbers can be found in your local phone book under the US Government listings.

Enjoy and prosper!Az